What makes us
unique?
Chinook Canine Rehab Ltd was created not only as the result of the legitimate and pressing need for specialized services in the field of canine physical therapy and rehabilitation in Lethbridge, but also due to our owner Lauren`s true love of dogs.
Our expertise in not only human physiotherapy but veterinary medicine makes us not only qualified but the experts to provide a well-rounded treatment program for your dog.
Canine rehab involves assessment of movement and development of treatment plan. Treatment plan aim to help get dogs moving, help them build strength, and help them establish a regular exercise routine that involves more than, just walks. Rehab can target specific injuries/conditions such as cranial cruciate injuries, hip dysplasia, arthritis, shoulder instability or helping with weight loss or improving senior and neurological dogs independence.
We look forward to meeting you all and helping more furry friends on their rehab journey.
Meet the Rehab Team
Lauren Peterson (Doctor of Physiotherapy/Owner)
Owner and Physiotherapist Lauren Peterson completed her Doctor of Physiotherapy at the University of Melbourne in 2013. From the beginning of her career, Lauren knew she wanted to work with dogs. After gaining experience in a private physiotherapy clinic, she took a leap of faith and founded Chinook Canine Rehab in 2021, following completion of her Diploma in Canine Rehabilitation. Lauren’s strong expertise in assessment and manual therapy form the foundation of her successful rehabilitation programs. She has further expanded her canine skill set with certifications in small animal acupuncture and dry needling.
What began as a mobile service and a long-held dream has since grown into a large, purpose-built clinic featuring two underwater treadmills, a hydrotherapy pool, a slatmill, a fully equipped canine gym and more.
While running the clinic is a full-time commitment Lauren still makes time for outdoor adventures, whether it be skijoring with her huskies, snowboarding, hiking or relaxing beside a lake.
Ashley Sommerfeld
(Rehab Assistant/Canine and Equine Mayo-Manipulative Functional Therapist)
Ashley is certified in both canine and equine mayo-manipulative therapy. She is adept in hands-on bodywork techniques and therapeutic cold laser applications to support mobility, pain reduction and performance optimization. She is highly compassionate individual and prioritizes low-stress handling and animal trust during every session.
Ashley not only provides our canine massage services in clinic by travels to deliver equine massage and laser treatments through our subsidiary Chinook Equine Services.
When Ashley isn’t at the clinic or in the stables, she enjoys hanging with her rescue dog Nala and camping.
Bryn Dragland (Rehab Assistant/Canine Hydrotherapist)
Bryn’s background is in Exercise Science and she spent eight years working in a human physiotherapy clinic before transitioning into canine rehabilitation. By combining her passion for exercise with her love of dogs, she helps canine patients improve their mobility, strength and overall quality of life through therapeutic exercise and hydrotherapy. Seeing dogs get back to doing what they love is the most rewarding part of her work. Outside of the clinic, Bryn enjoys spending time with her husband, sone and their dog – whether they are out adventuring or chasing around their little one at home.
Amanda Karpuk (Rehab Assistant/Canine Hydrotherapist)
Amanda has a background in veterinary medicine but upon completing her RVT program she found a deep love for rehabilitation. She is actively working towards her canine massage and acupuncture certification. With a strong passion for canine health, movement and performance.
Amanda is dedicated to supporting dogs through rehabilitation, conditioning and preventative care.
When Amanda isn’t at the clinic she is deeply involved in dog sports. She competes in dock diving with her coonhound cross Bandit and is currently working towards a PDC with her Dutch shepherd Riggs. Her hands on experience with high drive working dogs gives her a well-rounded understanding of canine biomechanics, recovery and performance needs.
Lauren Peterson (Owner/Canine Physiotherapist), Ashley Sommerfeld (Rehab Assistant/Canine and Equine Mayo-Manipulative Functional Therapist), Bryn Dragland (Rehab Assistant/Canine Hydrotherapist), Amanda Karpuk (Rehab Assistant/Canine Hydrotherapist)